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BAHAMAS / ARUBA / PANAMA / COSTA RICA / COLOMBIA

Adventures Afloat: The Southern Caribbean and Panama Canal: A Journey Through History and Nature

Itinerary for Dec 9 — Dec 20, 2013

Description: At the heart of the ms Zuiderdam, suspended in a three-story atrium, a Waterford Crystal Seahorse sets the mood for exquisite pieces of art to be seen throughout this elegant ship. On board the ms Zuiderdam, marvelous nooks and crannies contain priceless works of art. Guests will find a recurring Venetian theme throughout the ship; the most dazzling features figures in the time of Carnival in Venice, created by Daniel Ogier. Guests can also expect signature Holland America touches, such as a gracious and unobtrusive staff, gourmet meals, spacious accommodations and the very best in entertainment and activities. The ms Zuiderdam completed all Signature of Excellence enhancements to her public rooms and staterooms in Fall 2005.

Smoking policy: YesSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Day One: Monday, December 09 - Embark on Cruise from Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

Afternoon: Embark ship. You may board as early at 11:30 am, but no later than 90 minutes prior to sail time (departs at 4:00 pm).
Check-in at Front Desk.
Lunch: Embarkation Buffet Lunch at Lido Deck opens at 12:00 pm.
Cabins should be ready to use by 1:00 pm.
Participate in the ship's Safety Drill.

**Note: Participants will receive a full itinerary once onboard. The Road Scholar group leader will deliver an itinerary to each participant's stateroom and try to meet all members of the group prior to dinner and the program orientation.

Description: At the heart of the ms Zuiderdam, suspended in a three-story atrium, a Waterford Crystal Seahorse sets the mood for exquisite pieces of art to be seen throughout this elegant ship. On board the ms Zuiderdam, marvelous nooks and crannies contain priceless works of art. Guests will find a recurring Venetian theme throughout the ship; the most dazzling features figures in the time of Carnival in Venice, created by Daniel Ogier. Guests can also expect signature Holland America touches, such as a gracious and unobtrusive staff, gourmet meals, spacious accommodations and the very best in entertainment and activities. The ms Zuiderdam completed all Signature of Excellence enhancements to her public rooms and staterooms in Fall 2005.

Smoking policy: YesSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Day Two: Tuesday, December 10 - Half Moon Cay, Bahamas.

Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.

Morning: Ship scheduled to arrive to Half Moon Cay at 8:00 AM
Disembark at Half Moon Cay.
Board a glass bottom boat to view marine life and listen to a lecture about the marine life of the Islands and the Caribbean.

Next, join your group leader on an exploratory walk that will uncover interesting facts about the nature and history of the Bahamas.

Before lunch, enjoy some time at leisure to indulge in water activities.

Description: At the heart of the ms Zuiderdam, suspended in a three-story atrium, a Waterford Crystal Seahorse sets the mood for exquisite pieces of art to be seen throughout this elegant ship. On board the ms Zuiderdam, marvelous nooks and crannies contain priceless works of art. Guests will find a recurring Venetian theme throughout the ship; the most dazzling features figures in the time of Carnival in Venice, created by Daniel Ogier. Guests can also expect signature Holland America touches, such as a gracious and unobtrusive staff, gourmet meals, spacious accommodations and the very best in entertainment and activities. The ms Zuiderdam completed all Signature of Excellence enhancements to her public rooms and staterooms in Fall 2005.

Description: At the heart of the ms Zuiderdam, suspended in a three-story atrium, a Waterford Crystal Seahorse sets the mood for exquisite pieces of art to be seen throughout this elegant ship. On board the ms Zuiderdam, marvelous nooks and crannies contain priceless works of art. Guests will find a recurring Venetian theme throughout the ship; the most dazzling features figures in the time of Carnival in Venice, created by Daniel Ogier. Guests can also expect signature Holland America touches, such as a gracious and unobtrusive staff, gourmet meals, spacious accommodations and the very best in entertainment and activities. The ms Zuiderdam completed all Signature of Excellence enhancements to her public rooms and staterooms in Fall 2005.

Smoking policy: YesSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Day Four: Thursday, December 12 - Oranjestad, Aruba.

Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.

Morning: Time at leisure to enjoy shipboard activities.

Lunch: Lunch on board.

Afternoon: Disembark for Orientation of Oranjestad, the capital city of the Island.
Board the Road Scholar coach for a field trip to various historic sites on the island. Visits will include the Fort Zoutman Historical Museum, the Archaeological Museum, and the geological site and botanical gardens at Casibari.

Group leader on-site discussions will highlight the history of the island.

Description: At the heart of the ms Zuiderdam, suspended in a three-story atrium, a Waterford Crystal Seahorse sets the mood for exquisite pieces of art to be seen throughout this elegant ship. On board the ms Zuiderdam, marvelous nooks and crannies contain priceless works of art. Guests will find a recurring Venetian theme throughout the ship; the most dazzling features figures in the time of Carnival in Venice, created by Daniel Ogier. Guests can also expect signature Holland America touches, such as a gracious and unobtrusive staff, gourmet meals, spacious accommodations and the very best in entertainment and activities. The ms Zuiderdam completed all Signature of Excellence enhancements to her public rooms and staterooms in Fall 2005.

Smoking policy: YesSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Day Five: Friday, December 13 - Willemstad, Curacao.

Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.

Morning: Arrive to Curacao.

Disembark and then board the Road Scholar coach for an orientation to Willemstad and nearby areas. This field trip will include visits to the historic down town, the Governor's Palace, and a floating fresh fruit market.

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Visit to the Hato Caves used by the Amerindian Arawaks 1,500 years ago and in later years were used as a refuge for escaped slaves.

Description: At the heart of the ms Zuiderdam, suspended in a three-story atrium, a Waterford Crystal Seahorse sets the mood for exquisite pieces of art to be seen throughout this elegant ship. On board the ms Zuiderdam, marvelous nooks and crannies contain priceless works of art. Guests will find a recurring Venetian theme throughout the ship; the most dazzling features figures in the time of Carnival in Venice, created by Daniel Ogier. Guests can also expect signature Holland America touches, such as a gracious and unobtrusive staff, gourmet meals, spacious accommodations and the very best in entertainment and activities. The ms Zuiderdam completed all Signature of Excellence enhancements to her public rooms and staterooms in Fall 2005.

Description: At the heart of the ms Zuiderdam, suspended in a three-story atrium, a Waterford Crystal Seahorse sets the mood for exquisite pieces of art to be seen throughout this elegant ship. On board the ms Zuiderdam, marvelous nooks and crannies contain priceless works of art. Guests will find a recurring Venetian theme throughout the ship; the most dazzling features figures in the time of Carnival in Venice, created by Daniel Ogier. Guests can also expect signature Holland America touches, such as a gracious and unobtrusive staff, gourmet meals, spacious accommodations and the very best in entertainment and activities. The ms Zuiderdam completed all Signature of Excellence enhancements to her public rooms and staterooms in Fall 2005.

Smoking policy: YesSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Day Seven: Sunday, December 15 - Cartagena, Colombia.

Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.

Morning: Disembark and enjoy a field trip to Cartagena.

Travel to the hill at La Popa, the highest point in the city, to visit the Convento de Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria, founded in 1607 by the order of St. Augustine. Continue your area explorations with a stop at nearby Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas. Learn about the fort's impressive history while walking through its fortified tunnels, galleries, and lookouts. Before heading into Old Town to uncover more of Cartagena's colonial treasures, stop at a local museum devoted to educating visitors about the history and characteristics of Colombia's famous emeralds.

In the early 16th century, Pedro de Heredia established the Spanish town of Cartagena on the site of a coastal, Indian settlement. The town quickly grew into an important port and a strategic gateway for Spanish interests in northern South America. The incredible riches obtained through Spain's colonial conquests in the southern continent were stored in Cartagena prior to being shipped to Spain. Unfortunately, this news attracted the unwanted attention of pirates working in the Caribbean. After suffering various sieges, including one by Sir Francis Drake in 1586, the city began constructing forts and protective walls to safeguard it from further attacks. Present day Cartagena is Colombia's largest port and a vital industrial hub; a place where visitors can enjoy both the rich history and architectural beauty of the city's colonial center (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the modern lifestyle found in the surrounding suburbs.

Description: At the heart of the ms Zuiderdam, suspended in a three-story atrium, a Waterford Crystal Seahorse sets the mood for exquisite pieces of art to be seen throughout this elegant ship. On board the ms Zuiderdam, marvelous nooks and crannies contain priceless works of art. Guests will find a recurring Venetian theme throughout the ship; the most dazzling features figures in the time of Carnival in Venice, created by Daniel Ogier. Guests can also expect signature Holland America touches, such as a gracious and unobtrusive staff, gourmet meals, spacious accommodations and the very best in entertainment and activities. The ms Zuiderdam completed all Signature of Excellence enhancements to her public rooms and staterooms in Fall 2005.

Disembark at Lake Gatun Locks Pier, tender ashore and then drive to Casco Viejo or Old City to discover Panama's rich history and culture on foot and by bus. Casco Viejo was established in 1673 by the Spanish Conquistadors; it was the second city settled in Panama.

Explore the French Plaza on foot and visit the famous golden altar in the St. Joseph Cathedral. Continue exploring the city by bus.

Time permitting, we will make a stop at a craft market to view local handicrafts including molas, embroidery, jewelry, leather, wood and much more.

Lunch: Lunch at local restaurant.

Afternoon: This afternoon, experience a field trip to Miraflores Locks to view ships passing through the first series of locks in the Canal. Also visit the on-site interpretive museum where you'll explore the exhibits as well as watch a movie about the history of the canal.

Description: At the heart of the ms Zuiderdam, suspended in a three-story atrium, a Waterford Crystal Seahorse sets the mood for exquisite pieces of art to be seen throughout this elegant ship. On board the ms Zuiderdam, marvelous nooks and crannies contain priceless works of art. Guests will find a recurring Venetian theme throughout the ship; the most dazzling features figures in the time of Carnival in Venice, created by Daniel Ogier. Guests can also expect signature Holland America touches, such as a gracious and unobtrusive staff, gourmet meals, spacious accommodations and the very best in entertainment and activities. The ms Zuiderdam completed all Signature of Excellence enhancements to her public rooms and staterooms in Fall 2005.

Description: At the heart of the ms Zuiderdam, suspended in a three-story atrium, a Waterford Crystal Seahorse sets the mood for exquisite pieces of art to be seen throughout this elegant ship. On board the ms Zuiderdam, marvelous nooks and crannies contain priceless works of art. Guests will find a recurring Venetian theme throughout the ship; the most dazzling features figures in the time of Carnival in Venice, created by Daniel Ogier. Guests can also expect signature Holland America touches, such as a gracious and unobtrusive staff, gourmet meals, spacious accommodations and the very best in entertainment and activities. The ms Zuiderdam completed all Signature of Excellence enhancements to her public rooms and staterooms in Fall 2005.

Description: At the heart of the ms Zuiderdam, suspended in a three-story atrium, a Waterford Crystal Seahorse sets the mood for exquisite pieces of art to be seen throughout this elegant ship. On board the ms Zuiderdam, marvelous nooks and crannies contain priceless works of art. Guests will find a recurring Venetian theme throughout the ship; the most dazzling features figures in the time of Carnival in Venice, created by Daniel Ogier. Guests can also expect signature Holland America touches, such as a gracious and unobtrusive staff, gourmet meals, spacious accommodations and the very best in entertainment and activities. The ms Zuiderdam completed all Signature of Excellence enhancements to her public rooms and staterooms in Fall 2005.

Day Twelve: Friday, December 20 - Completion of Program.
Disembark in Ft. La...

Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.

Morning: Disembark at the completion of the program.

Note: Although the ship is expected to dock around 7AM, it should take a few hours before the ship is cleared by local authorities and guests are allowed to disembark. Upon leaving the ship, guests will undergo routine Immigration/Customs proceedings.

Participants with flight arrangements out of Ft. Lauderdale should take all of this into consideration when scheduling the return flights.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities

Day at Sea

CasinoIf your idea of a good time is trying your luck at the card table or playing slot machines, then you might wish to make a stop at the Zuiderdam's casino on the Lower Promenade Deck. Please check onboard for hours of operation and costs.For additional information, visit: www.hollandamerica.com

Coffee House and LibraryThe Explorations Café on board the Zuiderdam features a cozy coffee house and library. Guests can enjoy a cup of coffee while perusing the ship's books, checking emails, or surfing the Internet. Additional charges apply for Internet/computer ussage.For additional information, visit: www.hollandamerica.com

Fitness CenterTake advantage of the Zuiderdam's Fitness Center during your down time. Work out on their modern equipment or sign up for a specialty class such as yoga or Pilates. Please check onboard for hours of operation and additional costs for specialty classes.For additional information, visit: www.hollandamerica.com

Important information about your itinerary: Please know that while we do everything we can to finalize all aspects of our programs well in advance, there are logistics that occasionally must be altered. Our website will reflect the most recent information, and we are committed to providing you with final program details no later than eight weeks prior to the start of programs outside the U.S. and three weeks prior to the start of programs within the U.S. If you ever have questions about your program, please don't hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to assist you.

Need Help?

The latest in light, portable, easy-to-use QUIETVOX listening devices are available on Road Scholar programs.* Whether you are outdoors, in a crowd or in a museum environment where speaking loudly is discouraged, a listening device makes it feel like our experts are speaking clearly and directly to you. Hear for yourself on a Road Scholar adventure!

*Please note that due to the nature of some programs, the remote location or government regulations, listening devices may not be available. If you’d like to know for sure if your program will offer listening devices, just call and ask an Advisor!